The Patron Self Check station is basically a computer with a touch screen and a built-in RFID reader, plus special software for personal identification, book and other media handling and circulation. After identifying the patron with a library ID card, a barcode card, or his personal ID number (PIN), the patron is asked to choose the next action (check-out of one or several books). After choosing check-out (issue), the patron puts the books on sensor area of RFID reader and the display will show the book title and its ID number (other optional information can be shown if desired) which have been checked out.
The patron then confirms that he has finished the check-out process and a receipt is printed, showing which books have been borrowed and the due date. The RFID tag in the book is EAS off as a result no alarm will go off at EAS gates. It is also possible to use the station for Check-In (return) of books. Chooses return and then puts one book or a stack of books onto the reader. Patron will receive a receipt. If the books were to be taken through the gate now, an alarm would sound.
One important point for library productivity is that the whole process is significantly less time consuming than with barcode and Electro-magnetic system; therefore long lines are avoided and fewer stations are needed for the same process.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Þ 19/21 inch touch LCD screen
Þ Embedded Industrial computer
Þ Includes Self Issue and Return Book software functionality
Þ One Printer with printing 8cm width, paper cut
Þ RFID book scanner/ reader and antenna
Þ The reading range is longer than 30cm for 5×5 cm book tags
Þ Can be integrated with any library management system
